Hospital team cared for patient, family

Sunday

Aug 30, 2009 at 6:00 AM

Our dad, Peter Horstmann, passed away at UMass Memorial Medical Center on Aug. 19. He was receiving treatments for cancer at the hospital when he suffered a stroke. He was quickly transferred to the intensive care unit, and his family traveled from Virginia, Michigan, Washington, D.C., New York City and Ireland to be with him.

We want to commend all of the team members who helped care for our dad. The nurse practitioner on 7East helped us understand his condition soon after the stroke occurred. The neurologist, along with the overnight resident, provided us with clear, accurate information on Dadís medical condition and prognosis. This was of enormous help to us in making decisions regarding his treatment. The ICU nursing staff, who cared directly for Dad, were incredibly accommodating to our familyís needs, allowing us to say goodbye to him in our own way, while making sure he was comfortable and cared for at all times. The amazing team at Family Tree Home Care, as well as UMass social workers and home health nurses, made sure that our momís significant care needs were met.

Unfortunately, our dadís stroke was not survivable. But we are so grateful that he was under the care of these professionals. Their efforts, knowledge and skills helped us through an extremely difficult situation, and for that we are eternally grateful.

HEIDI KOESTER

Ann Arbor, Mich.

EDITORíS NOTE: This letter was also signed by Peggo Horstmann Hodes and Tricia McCarthy.

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